At Bloom Injury Law, we understand that survivors of sexual abuse face unimaginable challenges. Our team of dedicated sexual abuse lawyers serves the greater Los Angeles area, from downtown LA to El Segundo, providing compassionate legal support to those who have experienced sexual assault, harassment, or abuse.
Injured? Don’t Pay a Dime Until We Win.
Hurt because of someone else’s mistake? Get a FREE CONSULTATION with Bloom Injury Law. You pay nothing unless we win.
Call (310) 525-5985 or contact us online to get started now.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse in California?
In California, sexual abuse encompasses a broad range of unwanted sexual conduct that violates a person's bodily autonomy and dignity. Sexual abuse is legally defined through various statutes that criminalize different forms of sexual misconduct:
- Sexual Battery: Under California Penal Code § 243.4, sexual battery involves touching the intimate parts of another person against their will for sexual gratification, arousal, or abuse.
- Rape: California Penal Code § 261 defines rape as nonconsensual sexual intercourse accomplished through force, fraud, or coercion, or when the victim is incapable of giving consent due to intoxication or unconsciousness.
- Child Sexual Abuse: California Penal Code § 288 criminalizes lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age, while § 288.5 establishes the crime of continuous sexual abuse of a child.
- Sexual Exploitation by Authority Figures: Various statutes including California Penal Code § 261.5 (statutory rape) and § 289.6 (sexual activity with confined persons) address sexual abuse by those in positions of power.
- Criminal Sexual Harassment: While most sexual harassment falls under civil law, California Penal Code § 646.9 (stalking) and § 422 (criminal threats) can apply to severe harassment cases with sexual components.
- Human Trafficking: California Penal Code § 236.1 criminalizes sex trafficking, which involves controlling victims through force, fraud, or coercion for sexual exploitation.
California civil law allows survivors to sue for damages through personal injury claims, where sexual abuse is considered a form of assault, battery, infliction of emotional distress, or negligence by institutions that failed to protect potential victims.
How a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help Maximize Your Compensation and Protect Your Rights
At Bloom Injury Law, our sexual abuse lawyers work diligently to ensure survivors receive the compensation they deserve while protecting their rights throughout the legal process.
- Case Evaluation: Our sexual abuse lawyers provide a thorough assessment of your case, identifying all potentially liable parties and determining the optimal legal strategy to pursue maximum compensation.
- Evidence Collection: Our team methodically gathers medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and institutional documents to build a compelling case that supports your claim.
- Statute of Limitations Management: Our sexual abuse lawyers ensure all filings occur within California's timeframes, which have been extended for sexual abuse cases, preventing the loss of your right to seek justice.
- Liability Establishment: Our sexual abuse lawyers work to prove negligence of institutions, employers, or other third parties who failed in their duty to protect you from harm.
- Damage Documentation: Our lawyers comprehensively catalog all physical injuries, emotional trauma, therapy costs, lost wages, and diminished quality of life to ensure full compensation.
- Settlement Negotiation: Our sexual abuse lawyers leverage our experience to counter lowball offers from insurance companies and defendants, advocating for a settlement that truly reflects your suffering.
- Privacy Protection: Throughout your case, our sexual abuse lawyers implement strict confidentiality measures to safeguard your identity and sensitive personal information from public exposure.
- Trial Representation: If fair settlement cannot be reached, our sexual abuse victim lawyers provide strong courtroom advocacy, presenting your case persuasively to judges and juries.
- Support Resource Coordination: Our sexual abuse lawyers connect survivors with trauma counselors, medical specialists, and support groups throughout Los Angeles to facilitate your healing journey.
- Insurance Navigation: Our team handles all communications with insurance companies, preventing tactics designed to minimize your claim or shift blame to you.
Taking legal action as a survivor of sexual abuse requires courage. Our sexual abuse lawyers honor that courage by providing compassionate legal support from Los Angeles to El Segundo while fighting relentlessly for the compensation and justice you deserve.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in California?
Yes, California has statutes of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits, but these timeframes have been significantly expanded in recent years to provide survivors with more opportunities to seek justice.
- Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault: For adult survivors, sexual abuse claims generally must be filed within 10 years of the last act of abuse or within 3 years of discovering that psychological injury or illness in adulthood was caused by sexual abuse.
- Child Victims of Sexual Abuse: For childhood sexual abuse survivors, California law (AB 218) allows cases to be filed until the survivor turns 40 years old, or within 5 years of discovering the connection between adult psychological injuries and childhood sexual abuse. Additionally, a special three-year "lookback window" that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for previously expired claims ended on December 31, 2022.
Financial Compensation You May Be Entitled To As a Victim of Sexual Abuse in California
At Bloom Injury Law, our sexual abuse lawyers work diligently to help survivors recover all forms of compensation available under California law for the harm they've experienced.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future medical treatment, including emergency care, surgical procedures, medication, and physical rehabilitation directly related to injuries from the abuse.
- Psychological Treatment Costs: Compensation for therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, and other mental health services needed to address trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or depression resulting from sexual abuse.
- Lost Income: Reimbursement for wages lost due to inability to work during recovery, reduced earning capacity, or career opportunities missed due to trauma-related challenges.
- Pain and Suffering: Monetary recognition of the physical pain and emotional distress experienced, which may constitute the largest portion of many sexual abuse settlements.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for diminished quality of life and inability to participate in activities or maintain relationships that once brought joy and fulfillment.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to spouses or partners for the impact of abuse on the marital relationship, including intimacy and companionship.
- Punitive Damages: Additional compensation specifically designed to punish particularly egregious perpetrators or negligent institutions and deter similar conduct in the future.
- Statutory Damages: Set compensation amounts available under specific California laws, including particular protections for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
If you're a survivor of sexual abuse in Los Angeles or El Segundo, our sexual abuse victim lawyers can evaluate your case to determine which forms of compensation apply to your situation. We understand that no amount of money can undo the trauma you've experienced, but proper financial recovery can provide resources for healing and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
California Sexual Abuse Cases We Take
At Bloom Injury Law, our sexual abuse lawyers represent survivors throughout Los Angeles and El Segundo in a wide range of sexual abuse and assault cases, providing compassionate guidance through every step of the legal process.
- Childhood Sexual Abuse: Our childhood sexual abuse lawyers will leverage California's extended statute of limitations, representing adults who experienced abuse as minors and ensuring they receive justice even decades after the incidents occurred.
- School and Daycare Abuse: Our teacher sexual abuse lawyers will pursue legal action against schools, daycares, and their employees who failed to implement proper safeguards or directly harmed children in their care.
- Clergy and Religious Institution Abuse: Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers will hold religious organizations accountable for concealing abuse, transferring abusive leaders, or neglecting proper screening procedures for those working with vulnerable populations.
- Healthcare Provider Assault: Our medical misconduct lawyers will represent patients sexually abused by doctors, nurses, therapists, or other medical professionals who violated their position of trust during treatment or examination.
- Nursing Home and Elder Abuse: Our elder protection lawyers will advocate for elderly victims who have been sexually assaulted while under the care of nursing homes or assisted living facilities, holding these institutions to the highest standards.
- Sports Coach and Mentor Abuse: Our coach sexual abuse lawyers will pursue cases involving trusted coaches, mentors, or youth program leaders who exploited their positions of authority to commit sexual abuse.
- Workplace Sexual Harassment and Assault: Our workplace misconduct lawyers will take legal action against employers who failed to prevent or properly address sexual misconduct in professional environments.
- Rideshare and Transportation Assault: Our passenger safety lawyers will represent survivors assaulted by drivers or transportation service employees, holding companies accountable for inadequate safety measures.
- College Campus Sexual Assault: Our campus safety lawyers will build cases against universities or colleges that mishandled sexual assault reports or failed to provide proper Title IX protections for students.
- Abuse in Foster Care or Juvenile Facilities: Our institutional accountability lawyers will advocate for those abused while in state custody, holding government agencies and contractors responsible for failures to protect vulnerable youth.
As survivors of sexual abuse lawyers serving the greater Los Angeles area, we understand the courage it takes to come forward. Our sexual abuse victim lawyers are committed to handling your case with sensitivity while aggressively pursuing justice against all responsible parties, whether they committed the abuse directly or enabled it through negligence.
Who Are Common Sexual Abuse Victims?
At Bloom Injury Law, our sexual abuse lawyers recognize that sexual abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, though certain populations may be more vulnerable due to various risk factors.
- Children: Young people are disproportionately targeted by abusers, with national statistics showing that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys experience sexual abuse before age 18, often perpetrated by someone they know and trust.
- People with Disabilities: Individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities face higher rates of sexual victimization due to potential dependence on caregivers and communication barriers that may make reporting difficult.
- Elderly Individuals: Seniors, especially those in care facilities, can become victims when their physical limitations, potential cognitive decline, or isolation create opportunities for predatory behavior by caregivers or staff.
- College Students: Young adults in university settings experience significant rates of sexual assault, with approximately 13% of all students experiencing rape or sexual assault during their academic careers.
- LGBTQ+ Community Members: Studies show that individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ face higher rates of sexual violence throughout their lives compared to heterosexual and cisgender peers.
- Athletes: Those participating in organized sports may face abuse from coaches, trainers, or team doctors who exploit their positions of authority and trust.
- Religious Community Members: People active in faith communities may be victimized by clergy or religious leaders who use their spiritual authority to manipulate and silence victims.
- Individuals in Custody: People in detention facilities, juvenile centers, or immigration holding facilities face heightened vulnerability due to power imbalances with staff and limited ability to avoid dangerous situations.
- Military Personnel: Service members, particularly women, experience significant rates of sexual assault within military contexts, often facing additional barriers to reporting and justice.
- Patients: Those receiving medical care may be victimized by healthcare providers who exploit their professional access to patients in vulnerable states.
Our sexual abuse victim lawyers in Los Angeles are committed to providing trauma-informed legal support to survivors from all backgrounds. If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse, our survivors of sexual abuse lawyers understand the unique challenges different victims face and will tailor our approach to your specific circumstances and needs.
Notable Sexual Abuse Cases in California: Survivors Seeking Justice
At Bloom Injury Law, our sexual abuse lawyers are closely monitoring several significant sexual abuse cases across California where survivors are coming forward to hold institutions accountable for abuse and negligence.
- University of Southern California (USC) Gynecologist Case: Thousands of women continue to pursue claims against USC after former campus gynecologist Dr. George Tyndall allegedly conducted inappropriate examinations and made sexual comments to patients over decades of practice at the student health center.
- Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD): Numerous victims are filing lawsuits against LAUSD for alleged sexual misconduct by teachers and staff, claiming the district failed to properly investigate reports and protect students despite awareness of concerning behavior.
- Hollywood Production Companies: Multiple survivors are pursuing legal action against major entertainment studios and production companies for fostering environments where sexual harassment and assault were allegedly tolerated and concealed.
- Catholic Dioceses of California: Survivors across California's dioceses are filing claims under the extended statute of limitations, alleging childhood sexual abuse by clergy members and institutional cover-ups that allowed abusers to be transferred between parishes.
- Youth Sports Organizations: Former athletes are bringing forward cases against various California youth sports organizations, alleging coaches and staff committed abuse while the organizations failed to implement proper background checks and supervision.
- San Jose State University Athletics: Female athletes continue to pursue justice regarding alleged inappropriate touching during physical therapy sessions by a former athletic trainer, claiming the university ignored early reports of misconduct.
- California Department of Corrections: Inmates are filing lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by correctional officers and staff, claiming systemic failures to protect incarcerated individuals from predatory behavior within state facilities.
- Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Clinics: Patients are pursuing cases against several high-profile medical practices after allegations that practitioners conducted unnecessary examinations or engaged in inappropriate touching during procedures.
If you experienced sexual abuse in California at any of these institutions or in similar circumstances, our sexual abuse victim lawyers understand that seeing others come forward can be both validating and triggering. Bloom Injury Law's survivors of sexual abuse lawyers can confidentially discuss your situation and potential legal options throughout the Los Angeles area.
Who May Be Liable for Your Sexual Abuse Damages?
At Bloom Injury Law, our sexual abuse lawyers work to identify all parties who may share legal responsibility for sexual abuse, as multiple entities often play a role in enabling misconduct or failing to prevent harm.
- Direct Perpetrators: The individuals who committed the sexual abuse are primarily liable for both criminal penalties and civil damages, regardless of whether they are convicted in criminal court.
- Employers and Supervisors: Companies, government agencies, or organizations may be liable when their employees commit abuse during work hours or while performing job duties under legal principles of vicarious liability or negligent supervision.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities can be held responsible when they fail to properly screen staff, ignore reports of inappropriate behavior, or create policies that inadvertently enable abuse on campus.
- Religious Organizations: Churches, synagogues, mosques, and their governing bodies may face liability for transferring known abusers between locations, concealing reports, or prioritizing institutional reputation over victim safety.
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and medical practices that neglect proper hiring procedures, supervision protocols, or patient safety measures can be liable when abuse occurs in their facilities.
- Childcare Providers: Daycare centers, youth programs, and summer camps may bear responsibility for failing to conduct background checks, inadequately training staff, or creating environments where abuse can occur undetected.
- Property Owners: Under premises liability principles, landlords, hotel operators, and business owners may be liable if inadequate security or negligent management contributed to sexual assaults occurring on their property.
- Foster Care and Adoption Agencies: Organizations placing children in homes may be responsible when they fail to properly screen foster parents, ignore warning signs, or neglect adequate monitoring of placements.
- Sports Organizations: Athletic associations, teams, and training facilities can face liability for allowing coaches or staff with concerning histories to have unsupervised access to athletes or ignoring reports of misconduct.
- Third-Party Contractors: Security companies, transportation providers, or other contractors may share liability when their employees commit abuse while performing contracted services.
What To Do If You're a Victim of Sexual Abuse
At Bloom Injury Law, our sexual abuse lawyers understand that knowing what steps to take after experiencing sexual abuse can be overwhelming. These actions can help protect your wellbeing and preserve your legal rights.
- Ensure Your Safety: Immediately remove yourself from dangerous situations and contact trusted friends, family members, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) for immediate support.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a hospital emergency room or sexual assault treatment center for medical care, even without visible injuries, as healthcare providers can provide STI prevention, emergency contraception, and properly document evidence.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, avoid showering, changing clothes, or cleaning the area before a medical examination, as physical evidence can significantly strengthen both criminal and civil cases.
- Report to Authorities: Consider filing a police report, which creates an official record of the incident and may be crucial for future legal proceedings, though this step is entirely your personal choice.
- Contact a Sexual Abuse Lawyer: Consult with a sexual abuse victim lawyer before speaking with representatives from institutions or insurance companies, as they may try to minimize your claim or obtain statements that could harm your case.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed notes about what happened, including dates, times, locations, descriptions of incidents, and names of potential witnesses or people you told about the abuse.
- Get Support: Connect with professional counseling services through organizations like RAINN (www.rainn.org), which offers free, confidential support to survivors and information about local resources.
- Know Your Reporting Options: Understand that in addition to police, you may report to other authorities depending on where the abuse occurred—such as human resources departments, school administrators, or licensing boards.
- Understand Time Limitations: Be aware that while California has extended statutes of limitations for sexual abuse cases, specific deadlines still apply depending on your situation and when the abuse occurred.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize your physical and emotional wellbeing throughout the process by establishing routines, setting boundaries, and engaging in activities that support your healing journey.
As survivors of sexual abuse lawyers serving Los Angeles and El Segundo, we at Bloom Injury Law offer compassionate legal guidance when you're ready to explore your options. Remember that experiencing abuse was not your fault, and you deserve both healing and justice on your own timeline.
Get the Justice and Healing You Deserve
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in the Los Angeles area, the compassionate sexual abuse lawyers at Bloom Injury Law are ready to stand by your side. We understand that coming forward takes immense courage, and we're committed to guiding you through each step of the legal process with sensitivity and dedication. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward healing and justice.
Injured? Don’t Pay a Dime Until We Win.
Hurt because of someone else’s mistake? Get a FREE CONSULTATION with Bloom Injury Law. You pay nothing unless we win.
Call (310) 525-5985 or contact us online to get started now.
Sexual Abuse Lawyer FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a sexual abuse lawyer?
Our personal injury lawyers represent sexual abuse survivors on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only collect payment as a percentage of your settlement or verdict if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Will my identity be protected during a sexual abuse lawsuit?
Our sexual abuse lawyers take extensive measures to protect your privacy throughout legal proceedings. In many cases, survivors can file as "Jane Doe" or "John Doe," and protective orders can restrict access to sensitive information. Your comfort and safety are our priority.
How long does a sexual abuse lawsuit typically take?
The timeline varies significantly depending on case complexity, evidence availability, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take 1-3 years, especially those involving institutional defendants or multiple victims.
Can I file a lawsuit if the abuse happened years ago?
California has significantly extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, particularly for childhood sexual abuse. Many survivors can pursue justice decades after the incidents occurred, though specific timeframes depend on your unique circumstances.
What if there's no physical evidence of the abuse?
Many successful sexual abuse cases rely on testimony, psychological evaluations, patterns of behavior, witness statements, and institutional records rather than physical evidence. Our sexual abuse victim lawyers are experienced in building compelling cases even without physical evidence.
Will I have to face my abuser in court?
Many cases settle before trial, avoiding courtroom confrontation. If your case does go to trial, our sexual abuse lawyers work with the court to implement protective measures that minimize trauma, such as testifying via closed-circuit television or having a support person present.
Can I pursue a civil lawsuit if the criminal case was dismissed?
Yes. Civil lawsuits have a lower burden of proof ("preponderance of evidence" rather than "beyond reasonable doubt") and can succeed even when criminal charges weren't filed or resulted in acquittal.
What if I signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)?
Recent California legislation has limited the enforceability of NDAs in sexual harassment and abuse cases. Our survivors of sexual abuse lawyers can evaluate your specific agreement to determine if it remains enforceable or if exceptions apply.
How do I know if I have a valid sexual abuse case?
The best way to determine if you have a viable legal claim is through a confidential consultation with a sexual abuse lawyer. We'll evaluate the circumstances, applicable laws, and potential defendants to provide guidance on your options.
What support is available during the legal process?
Our clients receive guidance on accessing trauma-informed therapy, support groups, and other resources throughout Los Angeles. Our sexual abuse lawyers coordinate with these providers to ensure you have comprehensive support during the legal process.
